Calgary Flames Sign Nikita Zadorov

The Calgary Flames have signed defenseman Nikita Zadorov to a one-year, $3.75 million contract. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next off-season.

Big Z: inked!

The #Flames have signed @zadorov61 to a one-year deal: https://t.co/aTUIwdp1kI pic.twitter.com/g6zYUMeNdA

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 20, 2021

The Flames acquired Zadorov earlier this off-season from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick. In his lone season with Chicago, the 26-year-old scored a goal and had eight points.

He is a defensive defenseman, so he will never dominate the game offensively. The Flames are bringing him in because of his strong physical play and overall reliability on the backend. The 6'6" defenseman is known for throwing the body regularly, as evidenced by his 190 hits last season. That aspect of his game will make him a nice addition for Calgary this season. 

In 411 games between the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche and Blackhawks, he has scored 23 goals and recorded 83 points. His high level of tenacity also already has him at 419 penalty minutes. With the Flames, he very well could play on their second-pair. 

Photo Credit: © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports